Ella Irene Flaten, 89, Minot, died Sunday, March 8, 2009, in a Garrison Hospital.

Ella Erickson was born September 16, 1919, in McKenzie County, North Dakota near Croft, to Birger W. and Olga M. (Olson) Erickson. She was raised and educated in Williams County, attending Westbank School and later graduating from Tioga High School in 1938.

In 1941, she gained employment at the Pingrey Café as a cook. She was well known for "Ella's White Cake" which was served on a particular day of the week. While working at the café, she was introduced to Miles Vernon Flaten by her sister-in-law, Gladys. A relationship was carried during his time in the US Army and service to his country until they were united in marriage on May 14, 1943, in Sidney, Montana.

They made their home on the Flaten family farm for a couple of years, before moving to Ray, ND, with their infant daughter, Arlis Jean, in September 1946. A short-time later, they were blessed with the birth of a son, Marvin Dale.

In addition to caring for her family, Ella was actively involved in the Ray Lutheran Church, where she served as secretary of the Sunday school and as custodian of the church.

They moved to Minot in 1959. Miles was employed at Sweetheart Bakery and Ella did some child care in addition to caring for her own family. They remained active in the community enjoying their memberships to the Moose Lodge and American Legion for dancing and socializing. They were active members of Christ Lutheran Church in Minot, where Ella would continue to worship until the age of 88.

Ella cared for Miles in their home until his death on October 17, 1991. She remained in Minot, moving to Edgewood Vista in 2002 until moving to Garrison in November 2008. Ella continued to make yearly trips to see family in Texas and Montana. She enjoyed a daily exercise routine on her stationary bike in addition to her enjoyment of crocheting, reading, and word puzzles.

She will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life.

Surviving family includes: Children: Arlis (Edward) Schmidt, San Antonio, TX and Marvin (Beverly) Flaten, Garrison, ND; Grandchildren: Justin (Melissa) Flaten, Rachel Flaten and Christian Schmidt; Great-Grandchildren: Aizalyn and Mylah Flaten; Sister: Eunice (Eugene) Engen, Way Cross, GA and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Miles, Sisters, Theresa Ashley, Cecile Johnson, Doris Estee, Mabel Haugen, Elna Johansson and Edit Johansson, and brothers, Stanley, Roy, and Earl Erickson.

Funeral: Thursday, March 12, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.
Family Service: Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.
Visitation: Wednesday, March 11, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.